The Seventh Decade. Sonnet X. I meet not mine, by others’ discontent

Henry Constable (1562–1613)

I MEET not mine, by others’ discontent.

For none compares with me in true devotion;

Yet though my tears and sighs to her be spent,

Her cruel heart disdains what they do motion.

Yet though persisting in eternal hate,

To aggravate the cause of my complaining,

Her fury ne’er confineth with a date:

I will not cease to love, for her disdaining.

Such puny thoughts of unresolvèd ground,

Whose inaudacity dares but base conceit,

In me and my love never shall be found:

Those coward thoughts, unworthy minds await.

But those that love well, have not yet begun;

Persèver ever, and have never done!